Jack White – Blunderbuss

If you could pick a man to give blues rock a stand amongst the music of our modern era, it’d have to be Jack White. He has clearly been designated the chosen one by some sort of higher authority (no not Bowie) and has delivered Blunderbuss.

If you’re looking for a The White Stripes revivalist record, this isn’t it, for the most part; there are the typical Jack White raw guitar riffs to be heard early on in Sixteen Saltines, but this is an entirely different sound in most respects. There is a reigning gospel influence, what with the organ, dominant piano, backing singers and animated jazz brought about by the anti-Meg White beats. The tracks that have already been showcased, Love Interruption and indeed Sixteen Saltines are the only ones with familiar territory as far as most of us are concerned with Jack White. Whether the direction of the whole record will satisfy rock fans is another matter.

There is an element of freedom of expression throughout the music. The patterns of the tunes are unpredictable, a trait that I absolutely adore, and it’s all executed so comfortably. The lyrics are Blues all over; direct and concerned with  ’the passion’. This looks to be a fun record.